Thick Skin and an Elastic Heart

Amalia

'Cause she's just like the weather
Can't hold her together
Born from dark water
Daughter of the r a i n and s n o w

The idea of a tomb still leaves her bewildered, but she shrugs her shoulders, willing to let this difference in opinion go. Besides, it is not the most troubling of his customs. "What defines worthiness?" she wonders, frowning, her dark eyes searching his curiously. He seems to accept this judgment so readily, but it makes the baker's anxiety heighten. As far as she is aware there are no such stipulations to enter Mort's domain- but then, Mort loves all he takes. He would never call someone unworthy, Amalia is sure.

The sudden burst of enthusiasm and impatience is a jarring shift from his previously rather detached tone; Amalia cannot help but smile, bemused and slightly taken aback. "Ah... whenever you like. We can go now, I suppose." Despite the abruptness of the shift the girl finds it somewhat endearing: she can easily empathize with someone who wishes to be closer to the deities, even if she does not fully understand his trains of thought.

She shrugs again when Abasi suggests the world should not fall on her shoulders. It's true, and she knows it- but at the same time she has made promises, sworn duties, and taken favors to uphold. Instead of answering she rises from her seat, beginning to clear the table and pack up her things so they can leave the bakery when he is ready.

{fin}